Latest news with #lightsaber
Gizmodo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
This DIY Lightsaber Proves That Spinning is Indeed a 'Good Trick'
A new version of the most picture-perfect replica of a lightsaber is drawing even closer to what we want to see from Star Wars' most iconic weapon. The new rendition of this YouTuber's DIY laser sword achieves a beautiful effect that's most reminiscent of the original trilogy of films. That's because the device is constantly spinning internally through a series of motors. Not only does this saber look the part, but it brings it closer to how both the lore and original movie makers envisioned it. YouTuber Jacob Uy's latest video shows off the entire build process for his second edition lightsaber that he originally created with a few friends from college. Just as before, this device uses a magician's cane and LED strips attached to a motor to simulate the automated extension and retraction—along with the prototypical plasma-like glow—you see in the films. There were several issues with the original design. First, the hilt was too bulky to accommodate the motor and rolled-up LED strip. Plus, the DIY lightsaber would release far slower than they did in the movies. The single lighting array created a dead area in the center of the blade, an effect more akin to the Darksaber than other laser swords powered by a kyber crystal most fans are used to. Uy previously told Gizmodo of his plans for his homemade lightsaber sequel, and—judging by the video—the new rendition has made good on those back-of-the-napkin designs. The second edition DIY device contains an extra LED strip, which, combined with a special motor inside the weapon's outer hilt that spins a new inner hilt, generates a glow that looks both dangerous and beautiful. A custom bearing over the top of both inner and outer shells keeps the entire device from flying apart. The visual effects artists at Industrial Lights & Magic created the lightsaber effect by using a hilt attached to rods covered in a reflective tape. The VFX team then rotoscoped the glow onto each individual frame and added the classic swishing, twanging sound effects in post-production. Those rods were also attached to motors that spun at high speeds, which helped generate that pulsing glow in the final movie that's now so iconic to the franchise. Uy said the spinning actually creates a gyroscopic effect in-hand—something that fans of deep Star Wars lore may find especially interesting. Sure, a blade made of plasma would ostensibly seem weightless, but the extended universe of Star Wars lore describes how the blades' constant motion makes them feel more physical than they appear. The fiction describes how this sense of mass requires no small amount of physical strength or connection to the Force to wield. There is a fair amount of extra engineering work that went into this blade compared to the YouTuber's first version. The device now includes a clutch that can engage or disengage the gears that hold the magician's cane in place. This means the device can extend far faster than before and still maintain its ability to retract. There's a separate motor that can control the tension of the LED strips and engage that clutch. It all combines into a blade that looks and acts closer to what the average Star Wars fan expects. To boot, it's far more accessible than that Disney-made extending blade the media giant showed off four years ago at the now-defunct Galactic Starcruiser experience. Uy said the next version of the lightsaber will include a full metal hilt, plus he plans to fix the issue that creates friction and slows down the retraction mechanism. You can make one yourself if you want to buy the files from the HeroTech site with a subscription. However, the YouTuber mentioned he may make the next rendition more simplified. Eventually, you may not need much mechanical expertise to create your own perfect extending DIY lightsaber.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Dark five words man said before attacking girl, 7, and her mother with a lightsaber
A Nebraska man who police said beat a woman and her seven-year-old daughter with a toy lightsaber had a chilling message for them, according to court records. Aidan White, 25, has been charged with felony counts of child abuse and second-degree assault for allegedly attacking Saundra Lunzmann, 37, and her child in the front yard of their home in Auburn, a small town 60 miles south of Omaha. On the evening of April 28, Lunzmann was out on her front stoop when she observed White interacting with her kids, according to an arrest affidavit from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office obtained by The Smoking Gun. Lunzmann's daughter, identified as K.L., eventually came running to her crying while holding her arm, according to the affidavit. When Lunzmann asked White if he hit the little girl, he flew off the handle, police said. 'I'm not in the mood, get back in your f***king house,' White said, per the police report. Lunzmann ushered her kids into the house, but not before the wanna-be Jedi charged at her with the lightsaber, hitting her in the right arm and shoulder area, according to the report. The girl was reportedly struck by White on her right ring finger. Police indicated that both Lunzmann and her daughter had signs of redness in the areas they said they were hit. Shortly after this, White retreated to his apartment, according to Lunzmann, who called police at around 8:36pm local time. Beyond the victims' testimony, two witnesses who live in an apartment across the street told police they saw White attack Lunzmann and her daughter with the lightsaber. Lunzmann and the witnesses also told police that White, who is on the autism spectrum, is prone to violent outbursts, once chasing a neighbor down the street with an axe. Incredibly, White returned to Lunzmann's front yard as police were still investigating and admitted to the assaults. He apologized to Lunzmann and her daughter. According to police, he knew what he did was 'unacceptable behavior' and was 'cordial with law enforcement.' White said he attacked them because he was angry about his rent being raised. It wasn't entirely clear why Lunzmann or her daughter would be at fault for his rent going up based on the police report. Deputy Matthew Kadavy, who was at the scene and authored the affidavit, was able to seize White's lightsaber with the help of White's father. It was described as a 'higher quality device' that was about three-and-a-half feet long and made of 'metal and thick plastic.' The lightsaber could 'cause significant pain and injury when used to strike an individual,' according to the affidavit. White was arrested and is now being held in jail as he awaits his next court appearance, scheduled for June 3.
The Verge
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
You'll still want to let the Wookiee win when you build your own Holochess table.
Some Star Wars fans build their own lightsabers, but YouTuber Maker Mac70 instead devoted a significant amount of time recreating the Millennium Falcon's Holochess table. Built using six small LCD screens and a special plate from a Japanese company called ASKA3D that creates a floating holographic effect, the table features a single-player version of the game because of a limited viewing angle. In addition to a video, more details about the build are available through
